About the Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle Grades Education
Are you ready to channel your creativity, compassion, curiosity and subject matter expertise as a middle school teacher? Join our supportive community of practice and learn how to teach, guide and inspire early adolescent students.
The Middle Grades Education M.A.T. program is for those who have already completed an undergraduate degree and wish to become a highly effective middle grades (5-8) teacher.
Throughout the program, you will gain a deep understanding of the unique learning contexts of diverse middle schools and adolescents' developmental needs, build in-depth content knowledge and pedagogical skills, and adopt responsive, asset-based teaching practices. When you graduate, you will know how to design innovative, meaningful curricula based in inquiry, remove barriers that impede students’ ability to reach their fullest potential, and support student success across the disciplines.
By completing the program, you will earn both a master's degree and an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsed for content-specific middle grades classrooms—math, language arts, science, or social studies- in grades five through eight.
For more information on state licensure and certification information please visit NLU’s Public Disclosures page.
Learn more about how NCE prepares teachers who make a difference in the lives of the students they serve.
Questions?
Contact Marci Mazza, Director of Enrollment: MMazza@nl.edu
Middle Grades Education candidates typically complete the program in two years and may earn licensure (33 SH) before completing the M.A.T degree (36 SH). NCE programs are nationally accredited and the Middle Grades Education program has achieved national Specialized Professional Association (SPA) recognition by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE).
View all graduate professional educator licensure programs criteria here.
Student Spotlight
Justin Banaszynski, M.A.T. Middle Grades '22
The most rewarding aspect of being a student at NCE is the connections I have made with my cohort of future educators. Those enduring friendships provide the necessary motivation to put in the hours it takes to become an effective Middle Grades teacher. Balancing a career as you pursue your future is incredibly difficult, but NCE's programs are built for students that also need their 9 to 5 job to pursue their dream. NCE provides the perfect platform to engage in future learning while also working full-time. If you are serious about education, the benefit is a lifetime of classmates you trust, and educators that care about your future success."
